Orchid Mantis Mimics Flowers To Attract Its Prey
The Orchid Mantis takes the form of the orchid flower to lure its prey and is more effective than actual blooms.
Nature never runs out of ways to leave us gaping in awe of how creatures and plants evolve to best suit their needs. In a new Australian study, researchers found that orchid mantis mimics a real orchid to lure its prey. What’s even more fascinating is that these insects actually find this creature more attractive than the real flower, according to an Australian Geographic report.
Over the years, this creature has evolved to resemble an orchid not only in terms of its shape but also its color. Flowers usually use their beauty and scent to lure insects to help them in pollination. Researchers of the study were surprised to find that the orchid mantis was 30 percent more effective in attracting the same insects than actual orchids.
Source and further reading:
http://www.hngn.com/articles/18599/20131203/orchid-mantis-mimics-flowers-to-attract-its-prey.htm
References:
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/mimicking-mantis-beats-orchids-at-their-own-game.htm
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2013/09/25/praying-mantis-mimics-flower-to-trick-prey/
Image via Alex Hyde/ Barcroft media
Nefarious beauty.
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